Timo on “Timo.”
Author: Yale | Posted: November 24th, 2008 | Filed under: Designers | | Comments Off |
New York based designers Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein formed “Timo.“, a progressive luxury lable, in the summer of 2008. Seen as architectural pieces to adorn one’s neck, Timo. is characterized by 8 distinct silhouettes and over 30 unique styles. Weiland, who went from an investment-banking job into a fashion foray, and Eckstein (founder of streetwear label Epic Firm) combined their skills and talent to produce this line specifically geared to neckwear. Defined as a collection that “blurs the lines between a casual look and formal eveningwear for men and women”, check out what Weiland had to say about his namesake line (as well as the androgynous crossover) after the jump.
Formed in the summer of 2008 with your business associate Alan Eckstein – why did you go the route of neckwear?
We chose to go this route because neckwear is an accessory that can dress up a basic look as well as a formal one. Moving with the economic environment we see our niche as increasingly relevant as discerning consumers are looking to get more out of their wardrobe i.e. buy less complete looks and have more options from several basic tops, bottoms, and outwear that they can add interchangeable detail to with accessories like Timo. neckwear. We wanted to create pieces that draw positive attention to the face and that are versatile, professional, and chic.
What can we expect from the line?
You can expect modern takes on classic shapes and historic costumes reinterpreted (for example the Elizabethan-inspired draped collar with loops). We use the finest materials available ranging from soft buttery leathers to duchesse satin, silk jersey, and cashmere blends. You can expect to wear it well, Timo. neckwear is appropriate in all scenarios from the office workplace to a gallery opening to a fashionable dinner party or film premiere. Perfect for the red carpet or the stage, the pieces stand out in photographs due to the exaggerations in shape and subtle sheen of the materials. The collection is made up of 8 distinct silhouettes and 33 pieces. Each piece is packaged in a woven dustbag and an antique hatbox with a drawer (that come in three different sizes). The boxes are the signature Timo. apple mustard hue.
What compelled you to ditch the finance world and pursue your fashion career?
I didn’t see much of a future for me as an investment banking analyst promoted to associate, Vice President, Director, Managing Director, etc etc. It was an incredible atmosphere for learning and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to train with some of the brightest people that I have ever met for the two years that I was at Deutsche Bank Securities, but as soon as I had ides and developed a business plan for securing financial backing, I put in my two weeks notice and made the switch! I knew that I had found my calling in the world of fashion design, but have definitely taken certain aspects such as the investment banker’s work ethic (often 100+ hour work weeks…) into my design studio. As we continue to work on our ready-to-wear collection this type of professional commitment that has been conditioned over time will be an asset to the development process!
There is much gender cross over with your neckwear. Was this always the original concept?
I have always been intrigued by androgeny and ambiguity in fashion. This has certainly been around in our inspiration since the beginning. Alan and I love wearing the pieces that will mostly sell to women, but we are just as enthusiastic about wearing the pieces that would be more popular with men. It has always been a staple aspect for Alan and I to leave the choice up to the wearer, as each and every Timo piece is open for interpretation.
